Method for manufacturing coated aluminium alloy strips for producing photographic quality decorations by dry transfer

A method of continuous manufacture of an aluminium alloy strip decorated by transfer of a sublimable decoration from a temporary carrier, the method comprising:

• a. preparation of a highly reflective aluminium alloy strip having a “glossy” or “high gloss” quality,
• b. degreasing and polishing of the strip wherein the polishing consists of chemical polishing or electropolishing,
• c. creation of a non-porous surface layer on the strip, wherein the non-porous surface layer is created by either (1) conventional anodization, followed by a sealing operation, via boehmiting, or (2) electrolytic superfinishing comprising, anodizing in a mineral, organic or compound acid, and wherein the non-porous surface layer comprises an oxide layer having a thickness of no more than 1 μm, and
• d. coating of the strip with a transparent, varnish comprising a polyester and polyurethane mixture base.